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Pegulas looking for an 'improved facility' for Amerks

The Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York has been home to the American Hockey League's Rochester Americans since the team's inception in 1956. However, the facility has come under scrutiny for not holding up to standards to host hockey games.

On Wednesday, Pegula Sports and Entertainment released a statement regarding the recent rumors that the Amerks would be forced to play elsewhere due to the arena's condition.

"Pegula Sports and Entertainment has been engaged in discussions with the hopes of reaching a long-term agreement for the Rochester Americans to compete in an improved facility that meets necessary arena standards. PSE is exploring all options for the Amerks organization with its primary preference to have the franchise remain a driver in the Rochester community as an anchor in the emerging downtown corridor."

The Buffalo Sabres were scheduled to host a preseason game in September, but they moved that game to Penn State University and to Pegula Ice Arena, where owner Terry Pegula went to college. Sabres president Russ Brandon said that the organization did not feel that the arena was up to standards to host an NHL game.

The Pegulas bought the Americans back in 2011 and was able to bring the former Sabres' AHL affiliate back into the fold. The Blue Cross Arena last went under renovations in 1998, and have hosted other hockey events at the collegiate and professional level.

If the Amerks are forced to vacate the Blue Cross Arena, the team will be forced to find a new facility as their new home until renovations are made. One possible option could be a home at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo. There are two other NHL teams that have their AHL affiliates play at their home rink. The San Jose Sharks host the San Jose Barracuda at the SAP Center in San Jose, California while the Winnipeg Jets host the Manitoba Moose at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Keep it locked to WGR and WGR550.com for the latest on the developing story.